How to Take the Perfect Selfies for AI Headshots: A Step-by-Step Guide

AI headshot tools like HeadshotKiwi are taking the world by storm. Not only because they're a new and convenient alternative to traditional professional headshots, but because they actually work! According to TechRadar, more than 76% of recruiters prefer AI-generated pictures to real ones. That means that, if you're missing out on this trend, you may be limiting your job opportunities.

To create the perfect AI headshot, however, having a high-quality headshot generator (albeit essential) is not enough. You must also feed it with the right material, i.e., selfies that show your face under the right light, framing, image quality, and so forth. In this guide, we will provide you with detailed, step-by-step instructions to do just that!

1: Consider Camera Quality

This is the easiest part, as you don't need to have a state-of-the-art camera to produce selfies that have enough quality to create perfect AI headshots. Avoid webcams (does anyone still use them?) and very old smartphone models, and you should be good.

In case your phone is too outdated or has a broken camera, just borrow one from a friend. If the camera is good but the selfie is still blurry or shows low visibility, it's probably because the lens is dirty, so just give it a little clean-up!

2: Go For Natural Lighting

Your home's basement? Not a good place to take a well-lit selfie. The city park on a sunny day? That's more like it! When your selfie is shadowed or not sufficiently lit, the AI headshot generator will have a harder time "interpreting" your facial details.

Another aspect that can negatively affect your final AI headshot is the camera's flash. While it theoretically lights pictures, it also causes unnatural reflections that may once again create some confusion. There are ways of avoiding this issue, but they're best-suited for photography pros.

In conclusion, the more naturally lit your selfie is, the more natural the AI-generated headshots will be, as the generator will not be "fooled" into thinking that reflections, shadows, or flattened features are your actual face. This is why natural lighting is an essential aspect of the perfect selfie.

3: Use a Neutral Background

The focus of the selfie should be your face (duh!), so it's important not to overdo it when it comes to the background. The last thing you want is for the AI generator to assume it's somehow part of your face.

How can you do this? Just stand in front of a white wall, for example. Neutral backgrounds make it obvious for the AI headshot generator to know the exact contours of your face and produce better results.

4: Watch Out For the Angles

A good rule of thumb? Center your face in a way that you would also like to see in the AI-generated headshot. Avoid weird angles and make sure:

• You hold the camera at eye level;
• Your face is in the middle of the frame;
• It's fully visible (meaning it's not cropped).

Professional headshots aren't just faces, tending to include one's upper body, partially or completely. So, your selfies should also show the upper body parts (like neck and shoulders) that you would like to see in AI-generated headshot.

This doesn't mean all the selfies you feed the AI generator with should be identical (much on the contrary). As long as you respect the rules above, it's advisable to add some variety to the 8-15 selfies you provide your AI headshot generator with.

5: Dress to Impress

One of the biggest perks of AI headshot generators is that you don't have to go through awkward photoshoots just to have a quality headshot. However, you should still prepare when collecting your selfies by dressing up.

If you're wearing pajamas in your selfies, the AI headshot generator may end up producing headshots with pajamas. It's far from ideal… So, make sure you put on that nice white shirt or boss-looking dress when taking your selfies.

Try going beyond just looking professional. Did you know, for example, that research shows there are better and worse colors to use during a job interview? According to the same research, if you want to show that you're "confident, trustworthy, and a team player", you should wear blue! Take this into consideration when creating the selfies for your AI-generated headshot.

Oh, and don't forget: even though your selfies should have variety, dressing consistently is highly advised.

Things to Avoid

You're almost ready to take the perfect selfie for your AI headshot. The final step? Keeping some common mistakes in mind and avoiding them completely:

• Snapchat/Instagram filters are strictly forbidden, as they can significantly distort your natural face.
• Hats, sunglasses, and other accessories hide your face (even earrings can be problematic).
• A confident smile is okay, but exaggerated expressions will hurt your AI headshot.
• Don't use WhatsApp to transfer your selfies (or other similar programs), as their image compression will significantly lower the quality of your selfies.

To sum things up, be smart! Consider that the AI headshot generator "works" with what you feed it, and remember that your selfies should in some way represent your ideal headshot. Use common sense and put in the work; AI will do the rest for you!

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